Online gaming made its appearance in the early 1990s and has come a long way since then. And it has been Microgaming online gaming software that has been leading the way.

Microgaming released the first online gaming software more than ten years ago. Today it releases on an average four new games a month. And each release brings in something new. These games are literally lapped up by the 120 casinos and 40 poker rooms that run on Microgaming software.

Microgaming software supports multiplayer and multilingual games. It has developed over three hundred games, all of which command high brand equity. In 1998 Microgaming introduced Cash Splash, which was the online gaming industry’s first wide area progressive jackpot. In 2000 Flash games were launched by Microgaming. Poker software made an entry in 2003. In 2004 Microgaming software for mobile phones was introduced opening up another facet of mobile technology. In 2006 Microgaming breached another technological barrier with the introduction of Live Dealer games that simulated land casino environments and have become extremely popular.

Microgaming software has been the recipient of several industry awards. In 2001 it was named Best Software Supplier by Casino Player Magazine and voted as having the best Craps, Roulette, Slots and Progressive games. In 2002 Microgaming was named Best System Provider by Gaming Express Magazine and also won Gambling Online Magazine’s Players Choice Award. In 2004 it won Gambling Online Magazine’s Top Casino Software and Editors Pick Awards.

Microgaming is famous for its progressive jackpot network, which brings together players from all over the world. Its aggressive schedules ensure that an active table is available 24/7. Players can watch the jackpots growing at a furious rate by the second. Microgaming casinos have paid out over $225 million since inception in jackpots alone and have created nine millionaires.

Microgaming products are matched by efficient service that ensures smooth operations of its software. Once a casino accepts Microgaming software, Microgaming puts a dedicated team to service that casino round the clock. This team helps in everything from setting up to operations and from training to brainstorming.

Features introduced by Microgaming software have helped build up its credibility and trust. The idea is to make the gaming experience completely transparent. PlayCheck and CashCheck, which are Microgaming trademarks, are two such features. PlayCheck allows complete and instant overview of all players gaming activity in one easy-to-read statement. CashCheck allows players see if they’re up or down at a glance by checking all their purchases and payouts in a single mouse click. In addition payout percentage reports created by independent auditors display how much any casino is paying out. On the payment processing front Microgaming has teamed up with Datacash Group plc to ensure the seamless integration of payment processing for Microgaming powered casinos.

Online gambling is not only fun and games but it is a huge responsibility as well. Microgaming has always been aware of this. It is one of the co-founders of eCOGRA, an independent and non-profit organization that ensures that operators act responsibly, treat players fairly and pay out winnings in time. Microgaming is also a founding member of the Interactive Gaming Council, which takes up issues of common cause of the gaming industry.

As they say at Microgaming, “Online gaming moves fast – but we move faster.”

Debbie Graham – Section Editor 2007-08-28